PJoch

Why was this shot on 35mm?? Regardless, glad it was… props to the DP for capturing the feel of florescent classroom lighting without making everyone look like raccoons. Exquisitely executed mystery, pieces out its clues and twists while unraveling a juicy American Greed-esque embezzling scheme.

Overstays its welcome in many scenes, unbearably difficult to watch in terms of social discomfort, yet the studio-booth interaction scene between the two leads is so jaw-dropping self reflective and potent, along with the spectacular music video finale, as to render the overall impression of the film a rather good one

Shockingly touching… it’s truly amazing that a film so superficially straightforward could provide so many surprises, and more to the point, make you care so deeply about its characters. The marketing team did this movie a serious disservice… Mark Hamill, the dystopia, or even the high concept are not the star of this show, it’s the undeniable, excruciatingly moving friendship between the two boys at the heart of the story.

Like Whiplash for football… any scene with Wayans and Withers in the same room is electric. Extremely solid first and second acts, gorgeous, seductive production design, but the climax/conclusion leaves one slightly befuddled and unsatisfied… perhaps too much of a reach for the Tarantino-esque ultraviolent wish gratification.